Medicare Help in Reno

This page covers the City of Reno. For the statewide rules, start with Medicare help in Nevada.

In Reno, DSS takes your Medicaid and food forms, Washoe County Senior Services runs the senior center on East 9th Street, and RHA runs public housing. This page serves Downtown, Midtown, the Old Southwest, South Meadows, Somersett and Stead. If a parent has stopped driving or the winter gas bill is past due, start with the table below. If you live in Carson City, see Carson City.

Local offices in Reno

Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway, because DSS makes the call and some of your income may not count. If you would rather not do it alone, a Pair Team advocate can help you in one call.

How do I apply for Medicaid or food benefits in Reno?

You can apply for Medicaid or food benefits online at Access Nevada, by phone at 1-800-992-0900, or at the DSS office on South Virginia Street. It's open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., DSS says, and you can move an appointment at (775) 448-5003.

The same application checks you for the Medicare Savings Programs, which can pay the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you in 2026. If you're 65 or older, you stay on fee-for-service Medicaid in 2026, so you can see any provider that takes it, Nevada Medicaid says.

Where can I get free Medicare counseling in Reno?

You can get free Medicare counseling in Reno from Access to Healthcare Network. It runs the state's Medicare Assistance Program in northern Nevada. Call (775) 284-1892, or visit 4001 South Virginia Street, Suite F. Counselors help with plans, billing errors and Extra Help. Each fall, Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7.

Where can seniors get lunch and stay active in Reno?

Washoe County Senior Services serves weekday lunch to people 60 and older, for a suggested $2 donation. At its main center, 1155 East 9th Street, lunch runs from 11:15 to 12:30 with no reservation. At these Reno sites, call (775) 328-2786 by 8:30 that morning:

• Neil Road Recreation Center, 3925 Neil Road.
• Westbrook Community Center, 315 Westbrook Lane.
• Cold Springs Community Center, 3355 White Lake Parkway.

The 9th Street center also hosts Connections Central, a talk group, on the first and third Tuesdays. If you can't leave home, Meals on Wheels brings up to seven meals a week. Read more about paid help at home.

The City of Reno's RecConnect pass covers its recreation centers and pools from $62 a month, the city says. Seniors get 20% off, and with low income it can cost as little as $12.40. For the income discount, bring a pay stub or tax return to any city center.

How do I get around Reno without driving?

To get around Reno without driving, start with the RTC bus. If you're 60 or older or have Medicare, a ride costs $1.00 instead of $2.00, RTC says. Show your Medicare card and ID when you board.

RTC ACCESS is the door-to-door van if a disability keeps you off the bus at times. Apply at rtcwashoe.com or at (775) 348-0477, option 2. A ride costs $3, and drivers don't take cash, so buy tickets online or at Reno stores like WinCo. To book, call (775) 348-5438 and press 1, one to three days ahead.

If you're 65 or older, Washoe Senior Ride pays $60 a month toward taxis. Sign up at 1105 Terminal Way with a Nevada ID that shows your address. Each taxi trip must start and end in Reno or Sparks. With Medicaid, you can also get free rides to medical visits.

Where can seniors get free food in Reno?

For free food in Reno, St. Vincent's Food Pantry, at 435 Eureka Avenue, gives you a box of groceries once a month. It's open weekdays from 9 to noon and 1 to 3, Catholic Charities says.

If you're 60 or older with low income, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada gives a monthly box of food at more than 40 sites. Call (775) 331-3663 for the nearest one. See food help.

How do I get senior housing in Reno?

To get senior housing in Reno, apply online with RHA, which owns about 750 public housing units. In October 2026, its public housing waitlists are open, and so is the one for Pilgrims Rest, for people 62 and older. The Section 8 voucher list is closed. Rent is based on 30% of your income, and your age can move you up the list, RHA says. To hear when other lists open, text RHARESIDENT to 888777. Read more about housing help.

How do I lower my power and gas bills in Reno?

To lower your power and gas bills in Reno, start with the state's Energy Assistance Program. It pays your utility once a year for one person making up to $1,995 a month, DSS says. The North Valleys Family Resource Center, at 10500 Stead Boulevard, helps with the form by appointment.

If you're still behind, United Way's Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) pays up to $500 a year toward an NV Energy bill. In Reno, you apply through the Washoe County School District at (775) 204-1408. NV Energy sells both power and gas in Reno. See utility bill help.

What a Pair Team advocate does

In Reno, your advocate calls DSS, RTC and RHA with you and keeps at it until you have an answer.

• Help you apply for Medicaid or the Medicare Savings Programs, and follow up with DSS.
• Help you apply for RTC ACCESS, and sign up for Washoe Senior Ride if you're 65 or older.
• Get your name on RHA's open waitlists, with proof of your age.
• Book your Energy Assistance appointment, and help you sign up for Meals on Wheels.

An advocate is covered by Medicare if you qualify. It takes two minutes to find out.

Check if you qualify for a Pair Team advocate

Frequently asked questions

I live in Sparks or Sun Valley. Is this my page?

If you live in Sparks or Sun Valley, most of this page works for you. The Sparks DSS office is at 630 Greenbrae Drive, (775) 824-7400. The Sparks Senior Center, at 97 Richards Way, serves weekday lunch; reserve at (775) 353-3113. Washoe Senior Ride is only for Reno and Sparks residents, RTC says. Sparks has its own page: Medicare help in Sparks.

Is there a Reno area agency on aging?

A Reno area agency on aging doesn't exist, because ADSD fills that role for all of Nevada, its state plan says. Call its Reno office at (775) 687-0800. For meals and home help, call Washoe County Senior Services at (775) 328-2575.

What is Reno Direct?

Reno Direct is the City of Reno's line for city service requests and questions, at (775) 334-4636. It's open weekdays from 9 to 4, with a lunch break from 1 to 2, the city says.

Can I use Washoe Senior Ride with the Lyft or Uber vouchers?

You can't use Washoe Senior Ride together with RTC's Lyft or Uber vouchers, RTC says. After a year, you can switch with a new application.

Does Access to Healthcare Network charge for Medicare help?

Access to Healthcare Network doesn't charge for Medicare help. Its counseling is free, and the program isn't tied to any insurance company, it says. Counselors don't sell plans, and neither does Pair Team.

Sources

• Social Services District Offices, North, Nevada Division of Social Services
• Energy Assistance Program Office, North, Nevada Division of Social Services
• Energy Assistance Intake Sites, North, Nevada Division of Social Services
• Energy Assistance Eligibility Criteria, Nevada Division of Social Services
• Contact Nevada Medicaid, Nevada Health Authority
• Statewide Managed Care Program, Nevada Medicaid
• Medicare Assistance Program, Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division
• Medicare Support and Information, Access to Healthcare Network
• Aging and Disability Services Offices, Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division
• State Plan for Aging Services, Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division
• Washoe County Senior Services
• Lunch Program, Washoe County Senior Services
• Meals on Wheels, Washoe County Senior Services
• Homemaker Program, Washoe County Senior Services
• CONNECTIONS Central, Washoe County Senior Services
• Nevada Care Connection, Carson City Senior Center
• For Applicants, Reno Housing Authority
• Public Housing, Reno Housing Authority
• Contact Us, Reno Housing Authority
• Reno Direct, City of Reno
• Neil Road Recreation Center, City of Reno
• RecConnect Memberships, City of Reno
• Health and Wellness, City of Reno
• Adaptive Recreation, City of Reno
• Fares and Passes, RTC Washoe
• RTC ACCESS, RTC Washoe
• RTC ACCESS Fares and Ticket Outlets, RTC Washoe
• Washoe Senior Ride Taxi Bucks Program, RTC Washoe
• Food Pantry, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada
• Serving Seniors, Food Bank of Northern Nevada
• Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra
• Financial Help, Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
• Utility Contact Info, Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
• Nevada 211
• SNAP Eligibility, USDA Food and Nutrition Service
• 2026 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductibles, CMS